2017 Tesla Model 3

The 31st of March this year Tesla has revealed their all new 2017 Tesla Model 3 car. Before that, many awe-inspiring details about this new model were already out and about. A very smart move of Tesla, this way their 2017 Model 3 Electric Vehicle has become one of the most anticipated cars of this decennium.

Tesla’s founders have always wanted to build an affordable middle-class electric car. To be able to create this car, Tesla has built and sold more expensive models like the Tesla Roadster, Model X and Model S in the previous years. These more expensive electric models are supposed to make sure that there are enough financial means to create the more affordable Model III. However, they also pave the road for the public’s perception of driving electrically.

Exterior design

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 obviously looks like a Tesla, which means: supercurvy, supersleek and superfresh. It’s a definite reminder of the Tesla Model S and X, but is only be about 80% of the Model S size. There will be a sedan version, as well as a compact crossover.

The face of the 2017 Tesla Model 3 looks amazing. The headlights are much steeper than those on the Model S, making the car look almost Porsche-like in appearance. The Tesla logo will not be located on the grille, but on the middle of the hood. I mean, we know that simplicity is the trend right now in car manufacturing, but leaving the grille behind, that’s next level. Daytime running lights or DRL can be found obviously on the lower part of the front.

The side of the car looks almost the same as the Model S’s. The biggest difference you can find at the back of the car, where the trunk and its lid seem really small, and they are. The Model 3 is only 80% of the size of a Model S, and that has its trails mainly in the trunk space, since the headroom for the backseat had to be saved by picking some from the trunk space. Then the taillights are different too. More basic and not designed as seriously as the Model S’s.

Interior design

Since the Model III is supposed to be an affordable car, don’t expect too much luxury. Whereas the Model S and X are embellished with wood, leather and shiny aluminium, the Model 3 standard is more simplistic. However, premium interior options will surely be made available at additional costs.

Furthermore: touchscreen, touchscreen, touchscreen. By 2017, even the most basic of cars will feature this technology. The Model 3 will have it located in the middle of the dashboard. We are a bit confused with the Model 3 prototype that has been presented to us, since that one has a giant touch screen. Reminiscent of a tablet, this thing takes up all the space in the middle of the car. Because there are no other buttons or airconditioning vents, we doubt that this prototype touch screen will make it to the production type in the same size. We are definitely looking forward to this though!

It would be amazing if such an economy-friendly car would be supplied with such a giant touch screen. You’d almost be tempted to put on the latest episode of your favourite TV-show when you’re commuting home, which may be very dangerous. It could also not be that dangerous, the tech and safety specs unfortunately have not been revealed yet. Check back with us to see if this 2017 Tesla Model 3 comes equipped with Lane Departure Warning and Stop and Go braking system for safely driving home through a traffic jam.

Engine specifications

The standard model is a rear wheel drive and will at least have a range of 200 miles (322 km). Tesla is also planning to release a dual-motor all wheel drive Model 3. Batteries for the car will be available in 40, 60, 70 and 85 kWh.

With a 40 kWh battery, the driving range will be 200 miles and the horsepower 250. Top speed will be an amazing 115 mph (185 kph), and hitting 60 mph (110 kph) would take only 5 seconds. The horsepower, top speed and 0-60 time will increase when a larger battery is applied.

Tech specifications

Bluetooth, USB charging slots and navigation will all be standard options. Additional packages for the more modern features will consist of a rear backup camera, Wi-Fi connectivity and heated seats.

Semi-Autonomous

Tesla time and time again made clear that they aspire to be the first car manufacturer to create a fully functional driverless car. The current Model S already features technological gimmicks like self-park, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic high/low beam headlights. It is expected some of these features will be standard on the Model III, and others as premium options. However, definite is that the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is going to be a semi-autonomous car, with a slight possibility of being a fully autonomous vehicle.

Price

Starting price will be around $35,000 in the United States or around €40,000 in Europe. American drivers may be able to receive a tax return of $7,500 for buying an all electric automobile, concluding the price on $27,500. If all this information is correct, Tesla will have succeeded in producing an affordable electric car.

Please note that this review is momentarily incomplete, since the 2017 Tesla Model 3 has not been reveiled yet. Check back with us in March for updates on the exterior, engine and technological specifications!

UPDATED:
March 13, 2016
Tesla will reveil the Model 3 on the 31st of March at an event in Los Angeles. Pre-ordering the Model 3 will be possible starting the 1st of April this year. Tesla’s CEO Musk has stated that the Model 3 will reach its official releasing date without delays, answering to critical notes of automobile experts regarding the lack of necessary car batteries.

April 1, 2016
It has arrived! Even more sleek and beautiful than expected, the pre-order count went through the roof after unveiling the Model 3 yesterday. 115,000 pre-orders have already been made at Tesla’s main office.

April 21, 2016
Unseen before, the pre-order count of the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is already at 400,000. This is great news for Tesla and proves how valuable the Electric Vehicle is going to be in the future. However, it might end in a bit of a rut. Will Tesla be able to be on time to deliver all these 400,000 vehicles? Chances seem slim, especially since experts have expressed their doubts concerning the timely delivery of the batteries. Furthermore, other problems are to be foreseen. Tesla has raised the bar so high, that it is bound to come crashing down, or so some people say.

2017 Tesla Model 3 was last modified: January 4th, 2017 by Gabriel Forest

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I've started to write for Cars2018.com in January 2016. I've been a car fan since my younger years. Grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to the west coast after my graduation. My weak spot is electric vehicles and upcoming green alternatives like hydrogen vehicles. My favorite classic cars are the 1967 Shelby GT500 and the 1983 Chevrolet El Camino. Any questions or suggestions, contact me: gabriel@cars2018.comPlease support our website by sharing our articles below, thanks in advance!